US11044944B2

Electronic cigarette

Summary by NHIP

Electronic cigarette atomizer assembly

The assembly heats liquid within a storage component using a coil aligned with a cooling channel. Distinctive features include a ring electrode, a liquid permeating sleeve contacting the coil, and a channel passing through the storage component from the coil to the outlet.

Claim Score by NHIP

Read claim 14, the broadest

Abstract

An atomizing electronic cigarette has an atomizing core component and a liquid storage component including an electric heater. The electric heater may have a through hole aligned with a channel passing through the liquid storage component. The cigarette can heat and uniformly vaporize liquid from the liquid storage component, with the user inhaling the vaporized liquid. The vapor generated by the atomizing process may be cooled as it flows through the channel.

US11044944B2, drawing sheet 1 — Sheet 1 of 5

Term

3.3 yearsleft in the term

Expires 28 January 2030.

19 claims: 3 independent, 16 dependent

1
An atomizer assembly, comprising:a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the housing containing: an air intake component having an air vent;a hollow electric heating coil arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing;a ring electrode electrically connected to the electric heating coil;a liquid permeating component sleeved on and contacting the electric heating coil;the liquid permeating component encircled by a liquid storage component;a channel through the liquid storage component from the electric heating coil to the outlet;the air intake component positioned between the inlet and the electric heating coil;and the electric heating coil positioned between the air intake component and the outlet.
10
A vaporizing device comprising:a cylindrical housing having an inlet and an outlet, the cylindrical housing containing: an air intake component having an air vent;a ring electrode;and a hollow electric heating coil arranged parallel and co-axial to a central longitudinal axis of the housing;the ring electrode electrically connected to the hollow electric heating coil;the cylindrical housing including a first housing section attached to a second housing section, the first housing section containing a power supply and an electrode ring post, the second housing section containing the ring electrode, the electrode post electrically connected to the ring electrode;a liquid permeating component sleeved on and contacting the hollow electric heating coil;the liquid permeating component encircled by a liquid storage component;an unobstructed channel through the liquid storage component from the hollow electric heating coil to the outlet;the air intake component positioned between the inlet and the hollow electric heating coil, the hollow electric heating coil positioned between the air intake component and the outlet;wherein air flows from the air inlet, through the air vent, through the electric heating coil, and through the channel to the outlet.
14
Broadest claimClaim Score 72, broad(NHIP)An atomizer assembly comprising:a housing;an air intake component having an air vent, a bracket and a ring electrode;a hollow electric heating coil arranged parallel and co-axial to a central longitudinal axis of the housing;the ring electrode electrically connected to the hollow electric heating coil;a liquid permeating component sleeved on and contacting the hollow electric heater;the heating coil positioned between the air intake component and the outlet;and wherein air flows from the air inlet, through the air vent, through the electric heating coil, and through the channel to the outlet.

Independent claims3

48 paragraphs in 5 sections, as filed

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/902,712, filed Feb. 22, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/091,017, filed Apr. 5, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,383,366, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/307,663, filed Jun. 18, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,320,300, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/208,257 filed Aug. 11, 2011 and now abandoned, which is a Continuation of International Application No. PCT/CN2010/000125, filed Jan. 28, 2010, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 200920001296.3, filed Feb. 11, 2009. Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As a cigarette substitute, atomizing electronic cigarettes have occupied a large percentage of the market for smoking substitute products. The improvement of atomizing electronic cigarette technology is a prerequisite for widespread application and acceptance of electronic cigarettes.

At present, the existing atomizing electronic cigarettes still have many problems and shortcomings, for example, poor atomization, large liquid drops in the final atomized smoke, nonuniform smoke caused by different sizes of liquid drops, too much moisture in the smoke, poor mouthfeel, etc. In some conditions, the smoke is at a high temperature because of insufficient cool-down and will cause discomfort.

The above problems cause significant differences between real cigarettes and electronic cigarettes for smokers, which is not conducive for smokers to select electronic cigarettes in place of real ones.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome various shortcomings in the prior art, some embodiments of the invention provide an improved atomizing electronic cigarette having a liquid permeating component in an atomizer that is sleeved on an electric heater. Cigarette liquid stored in a liquid storage component permeates into the liquid permeating component. The electric heater interacts with the liquid permeating component, such that the cigarette liquid is atomized with smaller and more uniform droplets. In another aspect, by communicating through holes and channels provided and arranged in the electric heater and the liquid storage component, the atomized large drops can adhere to the liquid storage component under the pressure of airflow, such that the inhaled smoke is more similar to the feel a real cigarettes to more suitable meet the taste of smoker.

An embodiment of the invention is an improved atomizing electronic cigarette comprising a power supply unit, a sensor, an atomizing core component and a liquid storage component, within a housing. An air inlet is arranged on the housing. One end of the housing is provided with an air suction port. The atomizing core component comprises an electric heater that can atomize liquid from the liquid storage component.

The liquid storage component can be internally provided with a hollow channel, a through-hole channel, an annular channel or a cross section of sparse mesh channels or combinations thereof, through which gas flows.

The atomizing core component can further comprise a liquid conduction or transportation component in contact with the liquid permeating component and the liquid storage component.

The liquid conduction or transportation component can be sleeved on the liquid permeating component, and include a conduction part that extends from one end of the liquid conduction component in the radial direction to contact with the liquid storage component.

The sensor can be an air pressure sensor or air flow sensor. The housing can comprise a first housing and a second housing, the power device and the sensor are located in the first housing, the atomizing core component and the liquid storage component are located in the second housing, and the auxiliary air inlet is arranged in an area of the first housing and/or the second housing.

The electric heater can be formed by spirally winding electric heating wires or made up of electric heating film arranged on the inner surface of the liquid permeating component, and the electric heater formed by spirally winding or electric heating film on the inner surface of the liquid permeating component can be hollow to form the through hole.

Atomized large drops can be absorbed at, or adhere to, the liquid storage component under the pressure of airflow, a common problem in the prior art where vapor having large particles is passed directly to the user. Thus current embodiments produce inhaled smoke that more closely meets the taste of smoker.

The cigarette liquid can permeate and conduct more sufficiently and rapidly, to more efficiently produce vapor or atomized smoke. In addition, the structure is simple and saves space, such that the volume of the whole atomizing electronic cigarette can be smaller.

In another embodiment of the invention, the electronic cigarette is designed to be detachable and changeable, such that change of components can be simply achieved by detaching and reassembling the first and second housings. Such an electronic cigarette is more convenient to carry as it is also more portable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a side sectional view of an electronic cigarette according to the invention, showing the first housing separate from the second housing;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a side sectional view of an electronic cigarette according to the invention, showing the first housing connected to the second housing;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a side sectional view of an atomizing core component in an electronic cigarette according to the invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a top view of an atomizing core component in an electronic cigarette according to the invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is an electrical connection block diagram for forming a closed loop among components of an electronic cigarette according to the invention, and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a side cutaway view of an electronic cigarette according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the invention provides an improved atomizing electronic cigarette, comprising a power device 1, a sensor 2, an atomizing core component and a liquid storage component 3, further comprising a housing containing the above components. An air inlet 4 is arranged on an area of the housing close to the sensor 2. The atomizing core component comprises an electric heater 5 and a liquid permeating component 6 sleeved on the electric heater 5. The electric heater 5 is a hollow structure and has a through hole 51 through which gas flows. The liquid storage component 3 internally has a channel 31 through which the gas flows. The channel can be a hollow channel, a through-hole channel, an annular channel or a channel with mesh cross section or combinations thereof. The purpose is to make the atomized gas that passes through the channel contact with the liquid storage core of the liquid storage component, and to make the liquid storage component 3 coordinate with the liquid permeating component 6 to permeate cigarette liquid to the liquid permeating component 6. In addition, the sensor 2 communicates with the through hole 51 and the channel 31 and forms an airflow loop with the auxiliary air inlet 4.

In the embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the atomizing core component further comprises a liquid conduction component 7 that is contacted with the liquid permeating component 6 and with the liquid storage component 3. The liquid conduction component 7 is sleeved on the liquid permeating component 6, with a conduction part 71 that extends from one end of the liquid conduction component in the radial direction, and is contacted with the liquid storage component 3. As a result, cigarette liquid on the liquid storage component 3 is absorbed and permeated to the liquid permeating component. To make the liquid conduction component 7 mate with the liquid permeating component 6 more tightly to improve the liquid conductivity, a fastening sleeve 12 can be sleeved on the liquid conduction component 7.

The sensor 2 can be an air pressure sensor or airflow sensor. In the embodiment, an airflow sensor is used. The housing comprises a first housing 8 and a second housing 8′, the power supply unit 1 and the sensor 2 which are located in the first housing 8. The atomizing core component and the liquid storage component 3 are located in the second housing 8′. The auxiliary air inlet 4 is arranged in an area of the first housing 8 and/or the second housing 8′ close to the sensor 2. In the embodiment, the auxiliary air inlet 4 is arranged on the first housing 8 and located in an area close to the sensor 2. The power supply unit 1 is a battery that can be a rechargeable battery or disposable battery.

A bracket 9 is arranged in the second housing 8′. The atomizing core component is fixed on the bracket 9, and the electric heater 5 is connected with the power device 1 and the sensor 2 and starts to heat or stops heating according to the flow situation detected by the sensor 2. An air-intake connection component 10 and an electrode ring 11 are arranged on the bracket 9. The air-intake connection component 10 and the electrode ring 11 are electrically connected with two leads of the electric heater 5, respectively. The air-intake connection component 10 achieves an electrical connection through connection with the sensor 2. The electrode ring 11 is electrically connected with the power device 1 through the connection of the air-intake connection component 10 and the sensor 2. The function of the sensor is to switch on or off the whole circuit according to the gas flow. When user inhales, gas inside the electronic cigarette flows. At this time, the sensor switches the circuit on to start the electric heater 5 to heat. When the user stops inhaling, gas stops flowing, and the sensor switches the circuit off to make the electric heater 5 stop heating. An electrode ring post 13 corresponding to the electrode ring 10 is arranged at the opening of the first housing 8. A contact part 131 extends from the electrode ring post 13 in the axial direction. The electrode ring post 13 is connected with the power device 1. When the first housing 8 and the second housing 8′ are connected, the contact part 131 is inserted into the second housing 8′ and contacted with the electrode ring 11.

In this embodiment, the first housing 8 and the second housing 8′ are connected through the connection of the air-intake connection component 10 and the sensor 2, and the air-intake connection component 10 and the sensor 2 are connected by means of splicing or plugging, threads, or clamping. Through such a detachable and changeable split structure, the change of components can be simply achieved by detaching and reassembling the first housing 8 and the second housing 8′, such that it is convenient to carry and use the electronic cigarette. This embodiment discloses a connection structure by means of threads.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the air-intake connection component 10 also has an air vent 101. The sensor 2 communicates with the air vent 101, the through hole 51 and the channel 31 and forms an airflow path with the auxiliary air inlet 4. An air suction port 32 is arranged on the second housing 8′, and the sensor 2 communicates with the air vent 101, the through hole 51, the channel 31 and the air suction port 32 and forms an airflow path with the auxiliary air inlet 4.

The liquid storage component 3 is made of liquid storage core materials such as micro-porous ceramic, foamed ceramic, natural fiber, artificial fiber or foam metal material. The liquid permeating component 6 is made of ceramic fiber, quartz fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber, common fiber, paper, fabric or non-woven fabric material. The thickness of the liquid permeating component 6 is from 0.5 to 5 mm. The electric heater 5 is formed by spirally winding electric heating wires, which forms the through hole 51. The diameter of the through hole 51 can be from 0.5 to 4 mm. In this embodiment, the thickness of the liquid permeating component 6 is 1 mm, and the diameter of the through hole 51 is 1 mm.

The liquid permeating component 6 in the atomizing core component is directly sleeved on the electric heater 5. Cigarette liquid in the liquid storage component 3 is conducted and permeated to the liquid permeating component 6 by the liquid conduction component 7. The thickness of the liquid permeating component 6 is 1 mm. As a result, the permeated cigarette liquid can be completely vaporized by the electric heater 5 more easily. When the user inhales, as the sensor 2 communicates with the air vent 101, the through hole 51, the channel 31 and the air suction port 32 and forms an airflow path with the auxiliary air inlet 4. When gas flow is generated inside the electronic cigarette, the sensor 3 switches the circuit on, the electric heater 5 starts to heat to make the cigarette liquid in the liquid permeating component 6 be vaporized after reaching the boiling point. At the same time, because the through hole 51 and the channel 31 of the electric heater 5 and the liquid storage component 3 are in communication, vapor generated during atomizing process can be further cooled under the push of airflow and finally inhaled into the user's mouth through the air suction port 32.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, the liquid permeating component 6 is contacted with the liquid storage component 3. The atomizing core component is sleeved in the channel 31 of the liquid storage component 3, and the peripheral surface of the liquid permeating component 6 is mated with the inner wall of the channel 31.

The liquid storage component 3 can be made of micro-porous ceramic, foamed ceramic, natural fiber, artificial fiber or foam metal material. The liquid permeating component 6 can be made of ceramic fiber, quartz fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber, common fiber, paper, fabric or non-woven fabric material. The thickness of the liquid permeating component 6 ranks from 0.5 to 5 mm. The electric heater 5 is formed by spirally winding electric heating wires to form a through hole 51. The diameter of the through hole 51 can be from 0.5 to 4 mm. In this embodiment, the thickness of the liquid permeating component 6 is 1 mm and the diameter of the through hole 51 is 1 mm.

In this embodiment, the atomizing core component is integrally sleeved in the channel 31 of the liquid storage component 3, such that the surface of the liquid permeating component 6 is directly contacted with the inner wall of the channel 31 of the liquid storage component 3. Because the contact area is larger, the permeation and conduction of cigarette liquid is more sufficient and rapid, and the atomized smoke efficiently generated. At the same time, the structure is simple and saves space, so as to minimize the size of the atomizing electronic cigarette.

In other embodiments, an improved atomizing electronic cigarette is provided comprising a power device (1), a sensor (2), an atomizing core component and a liquid storage component (3), further comprising a housing containing the above components, an auxiliary air inlet (4) being arranged on the housing. One end of the housing is provided with an air suction port, characterized in that the atomizing core component comprises an electric heater (5), the electric heater (5) atomizes liquid in a liquid storage component (3). The liquid storage component (3) internally has a channel (31) through which the atomized gas flows, and the auxiliary air inlet (4), the sensor (2) and the suction nozzle form an airflow loop.

In other aspects the atomizing electronic cigarette can be characterized in that the atomizing core component comprises a liquid permeating component (6) that is sleeved on the electric heater (5), a channel (51) through which gas flows is arranged in the atomizing core component, and the channel (51) is made up of the structure of the electric heater (5).

In other aspects the atomizing electronic cigarette can be characterized in that the electric heater (5) of the atomizing core component is directly inserted into the channel (31) of the liquid storage component (3), and the atomized gas directly flows through the channel (31).

In other aspects the atomizing electronic cigarette is characterized in that the liquid storage component (3) is internally provided with the channel (31) which is a hollow channel, a through-hole channel, an annular channel or a channel with mesh in cross section or combinations thereof, through which gas flows.

In other aspects the atomizing electronic cigarette is characterized in that the atomizing core component further comprises a liquid conduction component (7) that is contacted with the liquid permeating component (6), and with the liquid storage component (3).

In other aspects, the atomizing electronic cigarette is characterized in that the liquid conduction component (7) is sleeved on the liquid permeating component (6), a conduction part (71) extends from one end of the liquid conduction component in the radial direction, and the conduction part (71) is contacted with the liquid storage component (3).

In other aspects, the atomizing electronic cigarette is characterized in that the sensor (2) is an air pressure sensor or airflow sensor, the housing comprises a first housing (8) and a second housing (8′), the power device (1) and the sensor (2) are located in the first housing (8), the atomizing core component and the liquid storage component (3) are located in the second housing (8′), and the auxiliary air inlet (4) is arranged in an area of the first housing (8) and/or the second housing (8′) close to the sensor.

In other aspects, the atomizing electronic cigarette is characterized in that a bracket (9) is arranged in the second housing (8′), the atomizing core component is fixed on the bracket (9), and the electric heater (5) is connected with the power device (1) and the sensor (2) and starts to heat or stops heating according to the flow situation of gas through the sensor (2).

In other aspects, the atomizing electronic cigarette is characterized in that an air-intake connection component (10) and an electrode ring (11) are arranged on the bracket (9), the air-intake connection component (10) and the electrode ring (11) are electrically connected with two leads of the electric heater (5) respectively, the air-intake connection component (10) achieves electric connection through connection with the sensor (2), the electrode ring (11) is electrically connected with the power device (1) through the connection of the air-intake connection component (10) and the sensor (2), the air-intake connection component (10) also has an air vent (101), the sensor (2) communicates with the air vent (101), the through hole (51) and the channel (31) and forms an airflow path with the auxiliary air inlet (4).

In other aspects, the atomizing electronic cigarette is characterized in that the first housing (8) and the second housing (8′) are connected through the connection of the air-intake connection component (10) and the sensor (2), and the air-intake connection component (10) and the sensor (2) are connected by means of splicing or plugging, threads or clamping.

In other aspects, the atomizing electronic cigarette is characterized in that an air suction port (a) is arranged on the second housing (8′), and the sensor (2) communicates with the air vent (101), the through hole (51), the channel (31) and the air suction port (a) and forms an airflow loop with the auxiliary air inlet (4).

In other aspects, the atomizing electronic cigarette is characterized in that the housing is an integrated whole, the front end of which is provided with the auxiliary air inlet (4), and the sensor (2) communicates with the air vent (101), the through hole (51), the channel (31) and the air suction port (a) and forms an airflow loop with the auxiliary air inlet (4).

In other aspects, the atomizing electronic cigarette is characterized in that the liquid permeating component (6) is contacted with the liquid storage component (3), the atomizing core component is sleeved in the channel (31) of the liquid storage component (3), and the peripheral surface of the liquid permeating component (6) is mated with the inner wall of the channel (31).

In other aspects, the atomizing electronic cigarette is characterized in that the liquid storage component (3) is made of micro-porous ceramic, foamed ceramic, natural fiber, artificial fiber or foam metal material, the liquid permeating component (6) is made of ceramic fiber, quartz fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber, common fiber, paper, fabric or non-woven fabric material, the electric heater (5) is formed by spirally winding electric heating wires or made up of electric heating film arranged on the inner surface of the liquid permeating component, and the electric heater formed by spirally winding or electric heating film on the inner surface of the liquid permeating component is hollow to form the through hole (51).

In other aspects, the atomizing electronic cigarette is characterized in that the thickness of the liquid permeating component (6) ranks from 0.5 to 5 mm, and the diameter of the through hole (51) ranks from 0.5 to 4 mm.

In other aspects, the atomizing electronic cigarette is characterized in that zeolite particles are added in the liquid permeating component (6).

Contents5

Every citation, both waysCites: the store holds 65 of 66

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Collins, John M., Expert Report—Invalidity, CV14-01645—Appendix I-4-'805, Jun. 18, 2015.	Non-patent	–	Applicant
Eisenfuhr Speiser Patentanwalte Rechtsanwalte Partgmbh, Opposition to EP2404515 with Encl A1-Claim Analysis of Claim 1, Jun. 9, 2016.	Non-patent	–	Applicant
EPO, Application No. EP10740882.5, extended European Search Report, dated Oct. 16, 2013.	Non-patent	–	Applicant
EPO, Application No. EP10740882.5, Annex to the summons to oral proceedings, Jun. 20, 2017.	Non-patent	–	Applicant
EPO, Application No. EP14155504.5, extended European Search Report, dated Jan. 30, 2015.	Non-patent	–	Applicant
EPO, Application No. EP14155504.5, Exam Report, dated Apr. 12, 2018.	Non-patent	–	Applicant
EPO, Patent No. 2404515, Decision Revoking the Patent, dated May 3, 2018.	Non-patent	–	Applicant
Fang Xiao, 1st Supplemental Petition for Invalidation of CN201080016105.6, with English Translation, Apr. 25, 2017.	Non-patent	–	Applicant

Showing 100 of 487

88 members in 20 offices

This recordMember, by publication datePriority claim10 more offices are in the list below

Priority claims28

Priority claims
Document	Office	Kind	Date
200920001296	China	U	2009-02-11
200920001296	China	U	2009-02-11
2009200012963	China	–	2009-02-11
2010000125	China	W	2010-01-28
2010000125	China	W	2010-01-28
201113208257	United States of America	A	2011-08-11
201113208257	United States of America	A	2011-08-11
201414307663	United States of America	A	2014-06-18
201414307663	United States of America	A	2014-06-18
201615091017	United States of America	A	2016-04-05
201615091017	United States of America	A	2016-04-05
201815902712	United States of America	A	2018-02-22
201815902712	United States of America	A	2018-02-22
202016745249	United States of America	A	2020-01-16
13208257	–	–	–
14307663	–	–	–
15091017	–	–	–
15902712	–	–	–
2009200012963	–	–	–
CN20092001296U	–	–	–
CN2009201296U	–	–	–
PCTCN2010000125	–	–	–
US201113208257	–	–	–
US201414307663	–	–	–
US201615091017	–	–	–
US201815902712	–	–	–
US202016745249	–	–	–
WO2010CN00125	–	–	–

Members88

Family members, oldest first
Document	Office	Kind
CN201379072Y	China	Y	2010-01-13
CA2752255A1	Canada	A1	2010-08-19
CA2884987A1	Canada	A1	2010-08-19
WO2010091593A1	World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	A1	2010-08-19
IL214538A0	Israel	A0	2011-09-27
IL214538D0	Israel	D0	2011-09-27
AU2010213270A1	Australia	A1	2011-10-06
SG174233A1	Singapore	A1	2011-10-28
EP2404515A1	European Patent Office (EPO)	A1	2012-01-11
EA201171031A1	Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO)	A1	2012-01-30
MX2011008503A	Mexico	A	2012-01-30
KR20120012961A	Republic of Korea	A	2012-02-13
CN102387719A	China	A	2012-03-21
US2012111347A1	United States of America	A1	2012-05-10
JP2012517229A	Japan	A	2012-08-02
US2012279512A1	United States of America	A1	2012-11-08
ZA201106325B	South Africa	B	2012-11-28
ZA201206458B	South Africa	B	2013-05-29
EP2404515A4	European Patent Office (EPO)	A4	2013-11-13
NZ595117A	New Zealand	A	2013-12-20
EG26588A	Egypt	A	2014-03-17
US8689805B2	United States of America	B2	2014-04-08
AU2010213270B2	Australia	B2	2014-05-08
AU2014206215A1	Australia	A1	2014-08-14
EP2772149A2	European Patent Office (EPO)	A2	2014-09-03
US2014305453A1	United States of America	A1	2014-10-16
EP2772149A3	European Patent Office (EPO)	A3	2015-03-18
SG2014008262A	Singapore	A	2015-03-30
CA2752255C	Canada	C	2015-05-12
EP2404515B1	European Patent Office (EPO)	B1	2015-09-09
ES2551779T3	Spain	T3	2015-11-23
DK2404515T3	Denmark	T3	2015-12-14
KR101593728B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2016-02-12
KR20160017667A	Republic of Korea	A	2016-02-16
MX337342B	Mexico	B	2016-02-26
PL2404515T3	Poland	T3	2016-02-29
JP5877066B2	Japan	B2	2016-03-02
BRPI1008569A2	Brazil	A2	2016-03-08
CN102387719B	China	B	2016-03-30
US9320300B2	United States of America	B2	2016-04-26
JP2016073316A	Japan	A	2016-05-12
US2016213067A1	United States of America	A1	2016-07-28
AU2014206215B2	Australia	B2	2016-09-29
EA024396B1	Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO)	B1	2016-09-30
HUE028292T2	Hungary	T2	2016-12-28
JP6146788B2	Japan	B2	2017-06-14
KR20170070269A	Republic of Korea	A	2017-06-21
US2017172213A1	United States of America	A1	2017-06-22
CA2884987C	Canada	C	2017-08-15
JP2017153483A	Japan	A	2017-09-07
KR101813457B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2017-12-28
EA201690438A2	Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO)	A2	2017-12-29
KR20180000347A	Republic of Korea	A	2018-01-02
EA201690438A3	Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO)	A3	2018-05-31
US2018184719A1	United States of America	A1	2018-07-05
KR101968390B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2019-04-11
US10383366B2	United States of America	B2	2019-08-20
US10477898B2	United States of America	B2	2019-11-19
KR20190132577A	Republic of Korea	A	2019-11-27
EP2772149B1	European Patent Office (EPO)	B1	2020-02-26
US10588353B2	United States of America	B2	2020-03-17
JP2020072730A	Japan	A	2020-05-14
US2020146348A1	United States of America	A1	2020-05-14
EP3677131A1	European Patent Office (EPO)	A1	2020-07-08
EA035753B1	Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO)	B1	2020-08-05
PL2772149T3	Poland	T3	2020-08-10
BRPI1008569B1	Brazil	B1	2020-10-20
EA202091010A2	Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO)	A2	2020-11-30
EA202091010A3	Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO)	A3	2021-01-29
ES2806687T3	Spain	T3	2021-02-18
US2021112863A1	United States of America	A1	2021-04-22
KR102267469B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2021-06-23
KR20210076180A	Republic of Korea	A	2021-06-23
US11044944B2This record	United States of America	B2	2021-06-29
JP6977071B2	Japan	B2	2021-12-08
JP2022020770A	Japan	A	2022-02-01
EP3677131B1	European Patent Office (EPO)	B1	2022-08-17
PL3677131T3	Poland	T3	2023-01-16
ES2934512T3	Spain	T3	2023-02-22
KR20230058537A	Republic of Korea	A	2023-05-03
JP7351884B2	Japan	B2	2023-09-27
JP2023160994A	Japan	A	2023-11-02
US11805816B2	United States of America	B2	2023-11-07
US2024108068A1	United States of America	A1	2024-04-04
MX389897B	Mexico	B	2025-03-20
JP7660799B2	Japan	B2	2025-04-14
US12274301B2	United States of America	B2	2025-04-15
KR102810189B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2025-05-20

86 transactions on the USPTO file

Allowed after 1 non-final rejection and 1 final rejection.

Non-final rejections: 1
Final rejections: 1
RCEs: 0
Appeals: 0

Over time

Point at a mark for the transaction

Transactions

Prosecution transactions, newest first
	Event	Code
2024-11-22	Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large EntityM1551	M1551
2021-06-29	Recordation of Patent Grant MailedPGM/	PGM/
2021-06-29	Patent Issue Date Used in PTA CalculationAllowedPTAC	PTAC
2021-06-10	Email NotificationEML_NTR	EML_NTR
2021-06-09	Issue Notification MailedAllowedWPIR	WPIR
2021-06-02	Dispatch to FDCD1935	D1935
2021-05-26	Email NotificationEML_NTR	EML_NTR
2021-05-26	Printer Rush- No mailingTCPB	TCPB
2021-05-26	Mailing Corrected Notice of AllowabilityMCNOA	MCNOA
2021-05-21	Application Is Considered Ready for IssuePILS	PILS
2021-05-21	Corrected Notice of AllowabilityCNOA	CNOA
2021-05-17	Response to Reasons for AllowanceREAS	REAS
2021-05-17	Issue Fee Payment VerifiedN084	N084
2021-05-17	Issue Fee Payment ReceivedIFEE	IFEE
2021-05-14	Pubs Case Remand to TCPUBTC	PUBTC
2021-05-12	Miscellaneous Incoming LetterLET.	LET.
2021-05-11	Electronic ReviewELC_RVW	ELC_RVW
2021-05-11	Email NotificationEML_NTF	EML_NTF
2021-05-11	Mail Notice of AllowanceAllowedMN/=.	MN/=.
2021-05-06	Notice of Allowance Data Verification CompletedAllowedN/=.	N/=.
2021-05-05	Reasons for AllowanceEX.R	EX.R
2021-05-04	Interview Summary - Applicant Initiated - TelephonicEXAT	EXAT
2021-05-04	Paralegal or electronic terminal disclaimer approvedP574	P574
2021-05-04	Terminal Disclaimer FiledDIST	DIST
2021-04-21	Date Forwarded to ExaminerFWDX	FWDX
2021-04-20	PILOT- Request for After Final Consideration ProgramRAFC	RAFC
2021-04-20	Response after Final ActionA.NE	A.NE
2021-02-10	Electronic ReviewELC_RVW	ELC_RVW
2021-02-10	Email NotificationEML_NTF	EML_NTF
2021-02-10	Mail Final Rejection (PTOL - 326)Final rejectionMCTFR	MCTFR
2021-02-07	Final RejectionFinal rejectionCTFR	CTFR
2021-02-04	Information Disclosure Statement consideredIDSC	IDSC
2021-02-04	Information Disclosure Statement consideredIDSC	IDSC
2021-01-19	Electronic Information Disclosure StatementEIDS.	EIDS.
2021-01-19	Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledWIDS	WIDS
2020-11-01	Date Forwarded to ExaminerFWDX	FWDX
2020-10-26	Response after Non-Final ActionA...	A...
2020-10-08	Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledM844	M844
2020-10-08	Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledWIDS	WIDS
2020-07-28	Electronic ReviewELC_RVW	ELC_RVW
2020-07-28	Email NotificationEML_NTF	EML_NTF
2020-07-28	Mail Non-Final RejectionNon-final rejectionMCTNF	MCTNF
2020-07-23	Information Disclosure Statement consideredIDSC	IDSC
2020-07-07	Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledM844	M844
2020-07-07	Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledWIDS	WIDS
2020-06-22	Non-Final RejectionNon-final rejectionCTNF	CTNF
2020-06-22	Information Disclosure Statement consideredIDSC	IDSC
2020-06-22	Information Disclosure Statement consideredIDSC	IDSC
2020-05-19	track 1 ONT1ON	T1ON
2020-05-19	Date Forwarded to ExaminerFWDX	FWDX
2020-05-18	Response to Election / Restriction FiledELC.	ELC.
2020-05-15	Email NotificationEML_NTR	EML_NTR
2020-05-14	Application ready for PDX access by participating foreign officesCCRDY	CCRDY
2020-05-14	PG-Pub Issue NotificationPG-ISSUE	PG-ISSUE
2020-05-05	Electronic ReviewELC_RVW	ELC_RVW
2020-05-05	Email NotificationEML_NTF	EML_NTF
2020-05-05	Mail Restriction RequirementMCTRS	MCTRS
2020-04-30	Restriction/Election RequirementCTRS	CTRS
2020-04-14	Preliminary AmendmentA.PE	A.PE
2020-04-14	Case Docketed to Examiner in GAUDOCK	DOCK
2020-03-11	Preliminary AmendmentA.PE	A.PE
2020-02-24	Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledM844	M844
2020-02-24	Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledWIDS	WIDS
2020-02-07	Track 1 Request GrantedT1GR	T1GR
2020-02-07	Mail-Record Petition Decision of Granted to Make SpecialMP003	MP003
2020-02-06	Mail Pet Dec Track 1 GrantMPDTG	MPDTG
2020-02-06	Record Petition Decision of Granted to Make SpecialP003	P003
2020-02-06	Pet Dec Track 1 GrantPDTG	PDTG
2020-02-06	Email NotificationEML_NTR	EML_NTR
2020-02-06	Application Is Now CompleteCOMP	COMP
2020-02-06	Filing ReceiptFLRCPT.O	FLRCPT.O
2020-02-05	Application Dispatched from OIPEOIPE	OIPE
2020-02-05	FITF set to NO - revise initial settingFTFI	FTFI
2020-01-21	Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledM844	M844
2020-01-21	Cleared by OIPE CSRL194	L194
2020-01-21	Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledWIDS	WIDS
2020-01-16	Incoming Letter Pertaining to the DrawingsLTDR	LTDR
2020-01-16	Oath or Declaration Filed (Including Supplemental)C602	C602
2020-01-16	Patent Term Adjustment - Ready for ExaminationPTA.RFE	PTA.RFE
2020-01-16	PTO/SB/69-Authorize EPO Access to Search ResultsSREXR141	SREXR141
2020-01-16	Applicants have given acceptable permission for participating foreignAPPERMS	APPERMS
2020-01-16	Track 1 RequestTK1R	TK1R
2020-01-16	Petition EnteredPET.	PET.
2020-01-16	IFW Scan & PACR Auto Security ReviewSCAN	SCAN
2020-01-16	Entity Status Set To Undiscounted (Initial Default Setting or Status Change)BIG.	BIG.
2020-01-16	Initial Exam Team nnIEXX	IEXX

14 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC

Over the term

Point at a mark for the event

Events

Legal events, newest first
	Event	Code
2024-11-22	Maintenance fee paymentMAFP	MAFP
2023-01-31	AssignmentAS	AS
2021-06-09	Information on status: patent grantGrantedPATENTED CASESTCF	STCF
2021-05-21	Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in generalPUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIEDSTPP	STPP
2021-05-20	Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in generalAWAITING TC RESP, ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIEDSTPP	STPP
2021-05-17	Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in generalAWAITING TC RESP, ISSUE FEE PAYMENT RECEIVEDSTPP	STPP
2021-05-15	Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in generalAWAITING TC RESP., ISSUE FEE NOT PAIDSTPP	STPP
2021-05-07	Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in generalNOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONSSTPP	STPP
2021-04-21	Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in generalRESPONSE AFTER FINAL ACTION FORWARDED TO EXAMINERSTPP	STPP
2021-02-08	Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in generalFINAL REJECTION MAILEDSTPP	STPP
2020-07-24	Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in generalNON FINAL ACTION MAILEDSTPP	STPP
2020-02-05	AssignmentAS	AS
2020-02-05	AssignmentAS	AS
2020-01-16	Fee payment procedureENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITYFEPP	FEPP

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Abstract